Micro and small enterprises drive female employment in Brazil

Micro and small enterprises (MPEs) serve as the primary entry point for women into the formal Brazilian labor market. According to the Panorama do Emprego 2026 study by Sebrae, approximately 8.5 million women were employed in these small businesses by the end of 2024.

These enterprises account for 43% of their workforce being female, a higher proportion than in medium and large corporations (38%) or the overall Brazilian formal market (41%). Additionally, MPEs show a smaller gender pay gap than larger companies; women in MPEs earn approximately 15% less than men, compared to a 23% difference in medium and large businesses.

The services and commerce sectors are the largest employers for women in this segment, together accounting for over 80% of the female workforce in micro and small enterprises.